Michigan Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Library Millages
By Lynn Blumenstein Aug 6, 2010In low-turnout elections on August 3, voters in several Michigan communities overwhelmingly approved millages for their public library systems on August 3. Out of 32 referenda, only three failed to gain approval. A complete list is available via the Library of Michigan.
Flint, Warren enjoy big wins
Flint Public Library supporters passed by a more than three-to-one margin a .9 millage renewal and an additional .5 millage, making it possible for "the Library to be able to plan its financial future for the next ten years," Interim Director Kay Schwartz said in a thank-you message.
The vote was 7680 to 2573; according to 2006 statistics, Flint had more than 80,000 residents of voting age.
Supporters of Warren Public Library approved a 20-year millage proposal by an almost two-to-one margin. As a result, three branches will reopen August 12. Located northeast of the city of Detroit, Warren is the third largest city in the Michigan.
The vote was 13,478 to 7298; according to 2006 statistics, Warren had more than 100,000 residents of voting age.
Most new millages successful
Nine measures were new millages, with eight of them passing. In addition to Flint, Harrison District Library secured a 10-year millage; Newaygo District Library, 20 years; Portage Lake District Library, seven years; Sparta Township Library, six years; Allegan District Library, ten years; Howard Miller Library, and Gary Byker Memorial Library of Hudsonville, an unstated term.
Failed measures
The only new millage proposal that failed, Chippewa River District Library (CRDL), proposed a new millage for a specific area, Isabella County. Voters outside that district were asked to supplement what citizens were already paying for libraries in that area. They refused, so CDRL will not renew contracts to run the four branches, according to the Morning Sun.
Cromaine District Library failed to secure approval for a $23.9 million bond to renovate a 30-year-old addition. Its operating millage passed.
Dorr Township Library failed to gain approval for a .3 millage renewal, the second time in two years. After the first defeat in November 2008, town officials said they would support the library out of the general fund until a new solution could be found. It is unclear what will happen now.
